Introduction to the Ho Dynasty Citadel

Ho Dynasty Citadel is one of the most unique historical relics of Vietnam, also known for its It has many names such as Tay Do citadel, An Ton citadel or Tay Kinh citadel. The project is a clear testament to a turbulent historical period under Ho Quy Ly, and at the same time possesses attractive ancient beauty amidst the peaceful space of Thanh Hoa. The moss-covered stone walls quietly tell the story of the nation's ups and downs over the centuries, evoking a feeling of both solemnity and profoundness.

In the midst of the bustling life of Thanh Hoa, the Ho Dynasty Citadel still stands proudly as a timeless mark. This is one of the very few remaining stone citadels in the world, built from giant stone blocks skillfully joined with incredible precision. Not only does it demonstrate the technical level and outstanding planning thinking of the ancients, the work also reflects the strong development of contemporary thought and culture, especially the influence of Confucianism in social organization.

Ho Dynasty Citadel Relics

Construction started in 1397 under the Tran dynasty and led by Ho Under Quy Ly's direction, the Ho Dynasty Citadel was quickly completed in just a few months. By 1400, when Ho Quy Ly ascended the throne, this place became the capital of Dai Ngu country. Going through many different names in history, the building still retains its core values and has become a symbol of the wisdom, bravery and vision of the Vietnamese people.

With outstanding values in architecture, history and culture, the Ho Dynasty Citadel has been recognized as a National Monument since 1962. In particular, on June 27, 2011, this monument was officially honored by UNESCO as a National Monument. World Cultural Heritage. This title not only affirms the project's stature on the map of human heritage but is also a great pride of the Vietnamese people. Today, Ho Dynasty Citadel is not only a destination for those who love to explore history but also a place for everyone to find their roots, feel the quiet beauty and profound meaning of a heritage that has surpassed more than six centuries of existence.

Highlights at the Ho Dynasty Citadel relic

Before exploring in detail each item inside the Ho Dynasty Citadel, you will easily feel the special stature of this work at first sight. Not simply an ancient citadel, this place was once the capital of Dai Ngu country, planned based on strict feng shui principles and sharp strategic thinking. Located in the middle of a land in harmony with surrounding mountains and rivers, the citadel not only has majestic beauty, but also ensures a solid defensive role and is convenient for waterway traffic.

Even though many magnificent structures that once existed have no longer remained intact due to the flow of history, the core value of the Ho Dynasty Citadel is still preserved through the remaining traces. It is the combination of unique stone architecture, large scale and profound historical significance that has created unique highlights, making this place one of Vietnam's most impressive heritage sites.

The Inner Citadel

The Inner Citadel is the central area with a massive scale and almost intact structure after more than six centuries. The entire citadel has a rectangular shape with a length of about 870.5 meters along the North-South axis and 883.5 meters along the East-West axis. The four city gates are arranged in the four main directions South - North - West - East corresponding to front, rear, left and right, creating a harmonious balance.

The inner citadel

The most prominent feature is the city gate system built in a rolling arch style with giant stone slab. Stone blocks weighing tens of tons are precisely fitted together without the need for adhesives, demonstrating the high level of construction techniques of the ancients. The South Gate is the main gate with three spacious entrances, of which the middle door is the largest, creating a majestic and majestic appearance.

The surrounding city wall is on average 5 to 6 meters high, in some places up to 10 meters. Stone slabs up to several meters long and weighing from 10 to more than 20 tons are stacked firmly, creating a rare solid structure. The Hoa Nhai road connecting from the South gate and extending towards the Nam Giao altar is paved with smooth stones, contributing to perfecting the solemn spatial axis of the ancient capital.

Moat

Surrounding the Citadel is a large Moat system, acting as an effective natural defense line. The moat is more than 90 meters wide, the bottom is about 52 meters wide and over 6.5 meters deep. The trench surface is designed gradually, creating a balance between defense and landscape elements.

The Citadel citadel

To ensure durability, the ancients used crushed stone and macadam to line the bottom of the trench. It is this structure that helps the building retain clear traces after hundreds of years of existence. The moat is also connected to the Buoi River, forming an irrigation system that both serves defense and supports waterway traffic. Today, although some sections have been filled in, traces of the Citadel are still clearly present in many areas, contributing to recreating the scale and strategic vision of the project.

La Thanh

La Thanh is an earthen citadel surrounding the outside, acting as a second layer of defense protecting the entire citadel. The building is about 6 meters high, the wall is about 9.2 meters wide and is built in a trapezoidal shape with a steep outer surface and a gentle inner surface.

La Thanh

La Thanh's special feature is that it is completely covered with soil combined with natural materials. natural materials such as gravel and small stones for reinforcement. The project is designed based on the natural terrain, winding along the mountains and rivers such as the Buoi River and Ma River, creating a defense system that is both solid and in harmony with the landscape.

Not only has a military function, La Thanh also acts as a natural dyke to help limit floods and protect the entire capital area. This is a clear testament to the flexible planning thinking and ability of the ancients to take advantage of the terrain.

Nam Giao Altar

Nam Giao Altar is a work with the most important spiritual and ritual significance in the relic complex. Built in 1402 under the reign of Ho Han Thuong, this place is the space to organize solemn ceremonies to worship the Heavens of the court.

Nam Giao Altar

The project is located in the South, inside the La Thanh area, with an area Large area and multi-layered structure. The center is a prominent high altar, surrounded by walls creating a tight enclosure. The entire architecture is arranged along the south axis, in accordance with traditional feng shui concepts, symbolizing vitality and prosperity.

The path leading to the altar is neatly paved, creating a solemn and respectful space. This is not only a place to perform rituals to pray for national peace and prosperity, but also clearly shows the political ideology and beliefs of the contemporary dynasty.

The most beautiful time to travel to the Ho Dynasty Citadel relic

Because it is located in the North Central region, Thanh Hoa has a rather harsh climate with long hot summers and rainy seasons where storms easily appear. Meanwhile, most sightseeing activities at the monument take place outdoors, so the weather will directly affect your experience.

The best time to visit is in the spring, from February to April. At this time, the weather is mild, the air is fresh, the surrounding landscape is green, very suitable for walking to explore every corner of the ancient citadel and take beautiful photos. Besides, autumn from September to November is also a time worth considering, when the weather is cool and pleasant, the light sunlight creates a peaceful and profound beauty for the monument.

Ideal time to travel to the Ho Dynasty Citadel

On the contrary, you should limit your travel in the summer from May to August because the weather is sunny and high temperatures can easily cause fatigue when sightseeing. In addition, stormy months are not a favorable time, because the roads can be slippery and affect travel schedules. Choosing the right season will help the trip to the Ho Dynasty Citadel become much more complete and memorable.

Transportation information to the Ho Dynasty Citadel relic site

The journey to the Ho Dynasty Citadel is quite convenient with many vehicle options suitable for each need, from quick, economical to adventurous experiences. Depending on your starting point and personal preferences, you can consider the following ways to travel to make your trip more complete.

Travel by plane

For travelers from far away, flying is the optimal solution to help shorten travel time. You can fly to Tho Xuan Airport (THD), about 40 km from Ho Dynasty Citadel.

• Hanoi to Thanh Hoa about 500,000 to 1,500,000 VND round trip

• Ho Chi Minh City to Thanh Hoa about 1,500,000 to 3,500,000 VND

• Da Nang to Thanh Hoa about 450,000 to 2,000,000 VND

After landing, you can take a taxi, technology car or rent a motorbike. Travel time from the airport to the relic is about 45 to 60 minutes, the road is quite easy and airy.

Tho Xuan Airport

Travel by train

Train is the right choice if you want to enjoy a leisurely journey and see the scenery along the Central region. You take the North-South route and stop at Thanh Hoa station, then continue moving to Ho Dynasty Citadel.

• Hanoi to Thanh Hoa about 200,000 to 400,000 VND

• Ho Chi Minh City to Thanh Hoa about 700,000 to Thanh Hoa 1,500,000 VND

• Da Nang to Thanh Hoa about 400,000 to 900,000 VND

From Thanh Hoa station, you can take a taxi or technology car to get to the monument in about 1 hour.

Thanh Hoa station

Travel by bus

Coach is a popular means of transportation, reasonable cost and easy to book tickets. From Hanoi, you can catch a bus at major bus stations such as My Dinh, Giap Bat or Nuoc Ngam with routes to Thanh Hoa or Vinh Loc.

• Hanoi to Thanh Hoa about 150,000 to 250,000 VND

• Ho Chi Minh City to Thanh Hoa From about 600,000 to 900,000 VND

• Da Nang to Thanh Hoa about 300,000 to 500,000 VND

Some other reputable interprovincial bus companies to Ho Dynasty Citadel - Thanh Hoa: Phuong Trang, Hoang Long, Hai Van, Tien Phuong, Van Anh, Duc Phat...

Travel by motorbike or personal car

If you love being proactive and want to fully enjoy the scenery on the way, a motorbike or personal car is the ideal choice.

• From Hanoi, you travel along National Highway 1A, then turn onto the National Highway 217 to get to Vinh Loc. The distance is about 140 km, travel time is from 2 to 3 hours.

• The road is quite easy to go, with peaceful village scenery on both sides, very suitable for those who want to combine travel and exploration.

Moving from central Thanh Hoa

From central Center of Thanh Hoa city, it only takes you about 1 to 1.5 hours to get to the monument.

• Taxi: fast, convenient like Taxi Mai Linh Thanh Hoa - 0237 3 75 75 75; Green Taxi SM Thanh Hoa - 1900 2088; Taxi 36 Thanh Hoa - 0237 3 636 66; Rang Dong Taxi Thanh Hoa - 0237 2 858 585; Taxi North Central South Thanh Hoa - 0237 3 888 999.

• Technology vehicles: reasonable cost

• Motorbike rental: about 120,000 - 200,000 VND/day

Accommodation information at the Ho Dynasty Citadel relic site

To make your trip to explore the Ho Dynasty Citadel more complete, choosing the right place to stay will help you have a comfortable rest time and convenient transportation. The area around the monument and the center of Thanh Hoa has many diverse types of accommodation, meeting the needs of tourists well.

Luxury accommodation (4-5 stars)

FLC Luxury Sam Son Resort

• Address: Xuan Huong Lake, Sam Son ward, Thanh Hoa

• Reference price: 2,400,000 VND/night

FLC Luxury Sam Son Resort

FLC Luxury Sam Son Resort is a 5-star resort Classy, suitable for tourists who want to combine visiting the Ho Dynasty Citadel and enjoying a luxurious vacation. With a large space facing the sea, modern design and high-end amenities such as swimming pool, golf course and spa, this place brings a complete and relaxing vacation experience in the middle of the journey to explore Thanh Hoa.

Van Chai Resort

• Address: Xuan Huong Lake, Sam Son Ward, Thanh Hoa

• Reference price: 970,000 VND/night

Van Chai Resort

Van Chai Resort is an ideal 4-star resort for Tourists want to combine visiting the Ho Dynasty Citadel and relaxing comfortably. Possessing an airy space near the sea, designed in harmony with nature and a complete utility system, this place brings a pleasant and complete relaxation experience in the journey to explore Thanh Hoa.

In addition, people can refer to other quality 4-5 star hotels near Thanh Hoa Ho Dynasty Citadel relic area such as:

• Dragon Sea Hotel Sam Son - 43 Ho Xuan Huong, Sam Son ward, Thanh Hoa - price from 800,000 VND/night

• Xu Thanh Eco-village - 26 Phuong Hoang, Ham Rong ward, Thanh Hoa - reference price 540,000 VND/night

• Resort (Resort, Villa)

  LAMORI Resort & Spa

  • Address: Quyet Tam Village, Tho Xuan Commune, Thanh Hoa

  • Reference room price: 3,000,000 VND/room

  

  LAMORI Resort & Spa

  LAMORI Resort & Spa is a high-class resort located near the Ho Dynasty Citadel relics, very convenient for the journey to explore the relics. With a cool green space, modern design combining traditional sophistication and a diverse system of amenities, this place offers a relaxing and classy resort experience amid the peaceful scenery of Thanh Hoa.

  Lasong Hotel & Villas Sam Son by The Unlimited Collection

  • Address: Village 2, Nam Sam Son, Thanh Hoa

  • Reference price: 1,900,000 VND/night

  

  Lasong Hotel & Villas Sam Son by The Unlimited Collection

  Lasong Hotel & Villas Sam Son by The Unlimited Collection is a high-class 5-star resort combining luxury hotels and villas, suitable for tourists who want to enjoy a classy vacation when visiting the Ho Dynasty Citadel. With private space, sophisticated design and modern utility system, this place brings a comfortable, relaxing and inspiring vacation experience in the middle of the journey to explore Thanh Hoa.

  Other famous resorts and villas in Thanh Hoa you can refer to:

  • Flc grand villa sam son - Sam Son ward, Thanh Hoa - Price from 1,000,000 VND/night

  • The Victoria Resort - Xuan Huong Lake, Sam Son Ward, Thanh Hoa - Price from 900,000 VND/night

  • Paracel Resort - Hai Tien Beach, Hoang Thanh Commune, Thanh Hoa - price from 800,000 VND/room

  • Tigon Villa - Hai Tien beach, Hoang Hoa commune, Thanh Hoa - Reference price 500,000 VND/night

  • Thanh Duong Xu Thanh Resort - Village 3, Hoang Tien commune, Thanh Hoa - reference price 600,000 VND/night

  Experience (2-3 star hotel, Homestay, Co hotel…)

  Sen Bien Hotel

  • Address: Sam Son ward, Thanh Hoa

  • Reference price: 700,000 VND/night

  

  Sen Bien Hotel

  Sen Bien Hotel is a 3-star hotel suitable for tourists Guests are looking for comfortable accommodation at a reasonable cost when visiting the Ho Dynasty Citadel. With a convenient location, clean rooms, full amenities and friendly service style, this place brings a comfortable and pleasant feeling to the journey to explore Thanh Hoa.

  Duc Thanh Hotel

  • Address: Yen Truong commune, Thanh Hoa

  • Price Reference: 300,000 VND/night

  Duc Thanh Hotel is a convenient accommodation option for tourists when visiting the Ho Dynasty Citadel. With a location near the relics, neat and fully furnished rooms and reasonable prices, the hotel provides a comfortable resting space, suitable for a short journey of discovery in Thanh Hoa.

  Check out more cheap hotels and homestays near the Ho Dynasty Citadel relics that you can choose to stay at:

  • Hai Yen Sam Son Hotel - No. 3A Le Loi, Sam Son Ward, Thanh Hoa - reference price 400,000 VND/night

  • Hoang Thai Hotel - 3 Tay Son, Sam Son Ward, Thanh Hoa - price from 500,000 VND/night

  • Duc Thanh Hotel - 57 Xuan Huong Lake, Sam Son Ward, Thanh Hoa - reference price 800,000 VND/night

  • Phuc Anh Sam Son Hotel - Beach C, Xuan Huong Lake, Sam Son Ward, Thanh Hoa - reference price 800,000 VND/night

  Cuisine and local festival culture

  High-class restaurant

   Tay Do Restaurant - Ho Dynasty Citadel

  • Address: South Gate of Ho Dynasty Citadel - Vinh Tien, Tay Do, Thanh Hoa

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  Tay Do Restaurant - Ho Dynasty Citadel

  Tay Do Restaurant - Ho Dynasty Citadel is an ideal stop for tourists when visiting the Ho Dynasty Citadel. The restaurant serves a variety of local dishes in a spacious, airy space, providing a delicious and convenient culinary experience for the journey to explore the relics.

  BBQ Restaurant 1996

  • Address: Cau Da, Tay Do commune, Thanh Hoa

  

  BBQ Restaurant 1996

  1996 BBQ Restaurant is an attractive dining place for tourists when visiting the Ho Dynasty Citadel. Outstanding with delicious grilled dishes, a diverse menu and a youthful, comfortable space, this place offers an interesting culinary experience, suitable for gatherings after a journey to explore the ruins.

  Other high-end restaurants:

  • Huong Viet Restaurant - QL217, Tay Do, Thanh Hoa

  • Sy Huong Restaurant - Tay Do, Thanh Hoa

  • Hoan Hoa Restaurant - Tay Do, Thanh Hoa

  • Doi Manh Ha Chicken Restaurant - Tay Do, Thanh Hoa

  • …

  Local cuisine

  When visiting the Ho Dynasty Citadel, besides the journey to discover the more than 600-year-old heritage, don't forget to enjoy dishes rich in Thanh's flavors. The cuisine here is rustic but sophisticated, combining local ingredients and traditional cooking methods, creating an unforgettable appeal.

  • Thanh Hoa Nem chua

  • Harrow gear

  • Thanh shrimp rolls Hoa

  • Fish salad

  • Four Pillar gai cake

  • Bitter leaf soup

  • Snails dipped in ginger sauce

  • Perch vermicelli

  • Qing eel porridge

  • Millet cake

  • …

  

  Nach fish salad

  Experiencing Culture and Festivals

  Not only stopping at architectural and historical values, the journey to the Ho Dynasty Citadel also opens up the opportunity to explore the unique cultural life of the Qing country through rich traditional festivals. Each festival is a story, a vivid slice that helps you better understand the beliefs, customs and spirit of the people here.

  • Song Temple Festival: Taking place from the 10th to the 26th of the second lunar month in Bim Son, this is one of the largest and most sacred festivals in Thanh Hoa. Outstanding with the solemn procession of the Holy Mother Goddess along with vibrant ritual activities and folk games.

  • Lam Kinh Festival: Held on the 22nd day of the 8th lunar month at the Lam Kinh relic site, the festival is to commemorate Le Loi. The solemn festival space combines many historical reenactment activities such as processions, performances and unique traditional rituals.

  • Sam Son Cau Ngu Festival: Taking place in the third lunar month at Sam Son beach, the festival is rich in coastal culture. This is an opportunity for fishermen to pray for a favorable harvest, while attracting tourists with a bustling atmosphere and many typical folk activities.

  

  Song Temple Festival

  Amusement and experience area

  After visiting the Ho Dynasty Citadel, you can continue your journey with many interesting attractions and experiences around. These locations provide an interesting balance between cultural exploration and entertainment, making the trip more complete and memorable.

  • Sun Grand Boulevard Sam Son: A modern entertainment complex that stands out with a vibrant space, bustling commercial streets and a special water music show in the evening, bringing a youthful and colorful experience.

  • Thanh Hoa Water Park: An ideal destination on sunny days hot with many attractive water games such as slides, wave pools and family play areas, suitable for all ages.

  • Sam Son Beach: Where you can enjoy the fresh sea air, participate in fun activities on the sand and enjoy fresh seafood in the vibrant space typical of the Thanh sea area.

  • Lam Kinh Relic Area:  The perfect destination for those who love history, a place that preserves the mark of the Le Dynasty with ancient space and green landscape, very suitable for sightseeing and relaxing.

  

  Sun Grand Boulevard Sam Son

  Suggested tour

  Tour of Thanh Hoa - Suoi Than Ca - Ho Dynasty Citadel - Lam Kinh - Phu Luong - Mai Chau - Cuc Phuong Forest Ninh Binh - Trang An - Bai Dinh 3D2D

  • Itinerary:

    • Day 1: HCMC - THANH HOUSE - LAKE HOUSE CITATION - SPIRIT OF FISH STREAM - PU LUONG - LANC - MAI CHAU (HOA BINH)

    • Day 2; MAI CHAU - PHUONG CHrysanthemum Forest NINH BINH - TRANG AN - BAI DINH

    • Day 3: NINH BINH - MUA CAVE - LAM KINH SCENES - THANH HOA - HCMC

  • Transportation: Tourist car

  • Reference tour price: 7,988,000 VND/person

  • Organizer: viettourist.com

  Thanh Hoa Tour 1 Day: Lam Kinh - Fish God Stream - Ho Dynasty Citadel

  • Itinerary: Lam Kinh relic area - Fish God Stream - Ho Dynasty Citadel

  • Transportation: Tourist car

  • Reference tour price: 550,000 VND/person

  • Organizer: infotravel-tour.com

  Ba Trieu Temple - Ho Citadel - Lam Kinh 1 Day Tour, Travel Experience Review

  • Schedule Departure: Ba Trieu Temple - Ho Dynasty Citadel - Lam Kinh relic site

  • Transportation: Tourist car

  • Reference tour price: 650,000 VND/person

  • Organizing unit: tourdatviet.vn

  Thanh Hoa Tour - Fish God Stream - Pu Luong - Lam Kinh - Ho Dynasty Citadel 3 Days 2 Nights

  • Itinerary:

    • Day 1: HANOI - Cam Luong God Fish Stream - Dang Cave - Pu Luong nature reserve and Deer waterfall

    • Day 2: Lam Kinh Special National Historical Relic Area - Ho Dynasty Citadel

    • Day 3: Hon Trong Mai - Doc Couc Temple - Khai Minh Pagoda

  • Transportation: Car

  • Reference tour price: 1,830,000 VND/person

  • Organizer: mercitour.com

  Shopping and Souvenirs

  After your journey to explore the Ho Dynasty Citadel, don't forget to take the time to choose souvenirs that bear the mark of Thanh. These are not only typical products but also a way to preserve memories and share the flavors of this land with relatives and friends.

  • Thanh Hoa Nem chua

  • Tu Tru cake gai

  • Harrow gear

  • Ha Yen shrimp paste

  • Sam Son dried seafood

  • Nga Son sedge mat

  • Handicrafts from bamboo, cork

  • Traditional peanut candy, sausage candy

  • …

  

  Thanh Hoa Nem chua

  Support information and other information

  For the tour to go smoothly and with peace of mind, you should prepare some necessary information before arriving at the Ho Dynasty Citadel. Saving important support addresses and contact numbers will help you be more proactive in every situation, from asking for travel information to handling problems that arise during the journey.

  • Thanh Hoa Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism: 74 Le Loi Avenue, City. Thanh Hoa

  • Thanh Hoa Tourism Promotion Center: 0237.385.2222

  • Tay Do Commune Police: 02373680008

  • Thanh Hoa Provincial Police: 0237 3852 697

  Emergency phone number level:

  • 113 – Police

  • 114 – Fire

  • 115 – Medical emergency

  In the heart of the bustling Qing Dynasty, the Ho Dynasty Citadel still stands proudly as a living testament to the nation's heroic history. Hopefully, the shares in Thanh Hoa travel guide of TravelViet will help you be more inspired to explore and fully feel the unique beauty of this special heritage.